In a declaration that sheds light on a life marked by significant medical advances and religious leadership, Utah's Gov. Spencer J. Cox has named today, September 9th, as President Russell M. Nelson Day, in a move to celebrate the centenary of one of the states's most influential figures, as reported by the Office of the Governor.

Highlighting his multifaceted role in the community Gov. Cox said, per Office of the Governor, "President Nelson is a leader not only in Utah, but across the world, he has worked tirelessly to build bridges of understanding and kindness and has led a life full of family, faith and selfless service," his comments reflecting not just on Nelson's religious influence but his storied career in medicine where he broke new ground as a surgeon and medical researcher in Utah, before fully dedicating himself to his church in 1984 according to the declaration.

Nelson's background is deeply rooted in Utah, from his graduation at East High through to his B.A. and M.D. obtained at the University of Utah, his path is one sown within the fabric of his home state, later serving in the United States Naval Reserve and the United States Army Medical Corps, he earned his stars in service beyond the surgical theater, and even at the age of 32 pioneering the first open-heart surgery in Utah, a testament to his enduring legacy within the medical field.

Embracing a role as a global faith leader since becoming the 17th president and prophet of the Church in 2018, Nelson has emphasized unity and compassion, once noting it's crucial to open "our hearts to those whose lives are different than our own… for we are all children of a loving God" suggesting that the depth of our humanity is measured not merely by faith but by the respect and love, we afford to one another, reflecting on these sentiments during full-time church service which began some three and a half decades before his official leadership role, as per the Office of the Governor.